I truly hope you publish a response to this, since many of us are wondering these things. Why can the Duggars do things to alter their faces (makeup), and to alter their hair (perms and curling irons), and to alter their nails (paint), and to alter their teeth (whitening, braces), yet they say people are to accept themselves as God made them? And at the risk (there is a risk there anyway because this is an honest, complicated question anyway) of not being published, why can the Duggars alter their faces, their hair, their nails, and their teeth that God gave them, yet they cannot alter any other part of themselves?

Love the pics, those kids are growing up so fast, it seems like they were little for so long, and then in a blink od an eye they got so big.It kinda make me sad,I don't want them to grow up, that's life I guess. :) Every last one of those kids have big beautiful smiles, they are purely happy.

Did Ben Seewald not go to the ATI conference with his family? Aren't they a member of it? Jessa's haircut is so awesome! It looks great on her! I think I like her the best with straight hair, as well as Jana and I think Jill and Jinger look the best with curls!

What beautiful family photos. Looks like they are having a good time in Texas. I’ve been watching the Duggars since they were just specials on TLC, I cannot believe how much everyone has grown up. The daughters are stunningly beautiful and the boys are becoming handsome young men. The photo of John David and Jana was my favorite.

Hey Anonymous #7, isn't it great that we live in a country where people can raise their children with whatever "crazy" ideas they want? You don't have to agree with them, but I don't see how you could deny that their children are kind, well cared for, polite, respectful, and contributing members of society. Not sure what is so "crazy" about that, but again, to each his/her own!

What? Is MacKynzie barefoot on the plane? What is it with these people regarding proper shoes on females? Does it already tie in for her to be barefoot, pregnant and chained to a stove already? Anna has a hoodie on, so it's not summer up there...

Yes, the Duggar children are very good looking, no doubt. I was shocked after 10 years on the show, I have seen some of them with eyeglasses on! Why have they never been filmed wearing glasses before? I think it was Jill and JoyAnna that I noticed with them. Is it that they want to project a perfect appearance? I thought it wasn't about appearances.. yet they seem obsessed with perfect teeth, as they have been whitened more than once, and some of them have had braces more than once, like Michelle..

In this family's belief system, does Jim Bob have to give an old fashioned dowry to his new sons- in- law? They will be taking on his daughters and multiple children forever...does anyone know about this?

It has been posted elsewhere that the Duggars have spoken at the ATI conference offering the likeminded and those that live similar lives an upclose and more detailed look into their everyday life. Those people don't need more info on their lifestyle, as it is their lifestyle also, it is, we, the viewers, who watch TV, that would like this opportunity to look into the actual workings of their everyday life, not more scripted field trips, kitchen mishaps, etc.

It is also my opinion, that this family's women have taken a huge step backward, more than 100 years. The women at that time, died, and/or were praying for some ability to regulate their fertility; dying in childbirth, complications, having a child short of every year from just being close to their husbands with physical consequences of being almost perpetually "expectant". Let me clarify by saying they have 19 children on earth, you have them, and you have an obligation to love them and to do right by them, it doesn't mean you should continue to conceive more just because you can. The Almighty gave us an intellect and the knowledge to regulate such things, an answer to so many women of the past's prayers, and yet Michelle, and the like, breed like bunnies. Tossing the newly weened baby in the pile with the others so you can conceive yet another is irresponsible and a disrespect to your own femininity. Jim Bob says he leaves it up to Michelle as to how many children they will have, she says she leaves it up to God, but her Gothard commandment says, listen to your husband... no real answer there, they go in circles so no one has to take responsibility for their outcomes. As a mother myself, I am surprised that Michelle would lay down her life for an unconceived child she may have in the future and sacrifice a relationship with the 19 she already has that God sent her...so obsessed of her and she discounts the children she already has and indicates by her responses that she doesn't care if she's here with them to see and help them grow... Thank you

Re Anonymous #37's comment: From the performance made by Jessa that we have seen already, it is BEN who is craving those phone conversations. Jessa looks like she's fine without them, wanting some space from him. Not looking like an excited bride to be to me AT ALL..He's her only ticket out of there, poor guy.

I noticed that Ben and Jessa in the facetime photo have headphones in... that means only they can hear each other. Don't they have to be chaperoned on EVERYTHING? Derick and Jill were even chaperoned on Skype. Also if Ben and his family aren't a part of ATI do they still do the "only skirts" thing for girls? I am also surprised that Jessa got such an "edgy" hairstyle. I really like it on her but it seems a little far out for their family. Also Ben looked a little close to her in the photo. I bet they are holding hands already!

Just was a facebook video of Anna and Priscilla...What the heck? Is Anna "PG" again? Of course, I hope all goes well for her and that child, but don't they get it? She will go bonkers with 4 to take care of. I sincerely hope, they don't draft one of the Duggar sisters to move in with them to "help", It isn't their responsibility to do so. I can only shake my head...

your going on and on about someone being pregnant and she hasn't even said she is! and why in the world would you assume one of the sisters would move in?? good grief calm yourself :) it's non of our business is it? and Anna seems to handle children very well, some can and others (clearly by your rant) can not

I want to answer your comment to the best of my ability as one who has witnessed many women taking, as you put it, "a huge step backward," which I actually see as taking a huge step forward. God made women to "be fruitful and multiply, replenish the earth and subdue it," and I am quoting from Genesis 1:28. Being frequently pregnant is something that God has made women's bodies to do. I am not a mother- yet- but know many women, including my mother, my pastor's wife, several of my good friends' mothers, and others who have borne six, eight, nine, and even eleven children and are healthy and have healthy children to boot. God has given us the gift of medical advancement and technology to save and help lives, not to end and prohibit them. God sees children as a blessing, not a curse or a health risk. With all respect and Christian love, I feel sorry for you. What a wonderful blessing you are missing out on, the wonderful gift of God through children. That is why the Duggars have so many- not because Mrs. Duggar thought it would be neat and fun to go through pregnancy and childbirth every year, but because they see what most people don't: that children are a blessing, gift and heritage of the Lord. Although is reaps both temporal and eternal rewards, it is no joke having a lot of children. The Duggars have given up the more structured, convenient lives they might have had and exposed themselves willingly to the scrutiny of people like you and me, some friendly and encouraging, and some who hate them and their lifestyle. They did not do this for fun, but because it was right. Mrs. Duggar and other courageous ladies who have defied culture and tradition to be mocked by the world for following God's law, at least deserve respect, if not agreement, with their decisions. Children are hard work, but not drudgery. You don't have to sacrifice a relationship with your children when you have more than three. My Mom is my best friend, and I am the oldest of eight. I am only seventeen, and my youngest sibling is almost four. I know that my parents only wanted three at the outset, until God changed their hearts. Now, I look at the five siblings I might not have had, and think of all of the fun I have with them, and all that we might have missed. God has shown us the truth of Psalm 127:3-5: "Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord, and the fruit of the womb is His reward. Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them. They shall not be ashamed, but shall speak with their enemies in the gate."

As to the comments about ATI and Mr. Gothard, the Duggars are a part of ATI and I know repect Mr. Gothard very highly. However, as I said before, they do not do what they do because of ATI or a "Gothard commandment" but because of a God commandment. The Duggars enjoy ATI, but follow God first of all.

I hope and pray that you will at least consider what I have said. May God shower you and your family with His blessings!

I was wondering if some comments about John David and Jana being overlooked and not filmed as much, maybe that is their choice and not a diss on them. They are adults and maybe, just maybe they get a say on what happens when it comes to filming. Maybe. I think Jana's time will come if not already and well John David may have to become a little more charming to attract the nice, pretty girls. San

Mom 25 Blessings... As a single adoptive mother to 5 beautiful special needs children I find a great deal of comfort knowing there are families like the Duggers who are willing to share their faith and wisdom with the world. Yes they may be criticized by those who do not share the same values, but the message of God;s love is evident in all they do.

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Welcome to the premiere source for factual, encouraging updates on Jim Bob & Michelle Duggar and their 19 kids (TLC's 19 Kids and Counting & Counting On). Our site is not maintained by the Duggars, but we (Lily and Ellie) are personal friends of the family.